'Shocked and devastated': Pulp bassist Steve Mackey dies aged 56 as band pay tribute to 'beloved friend'

2 March 2023, 15:11 | Updated: 2 March 2023, 15:31

Mackey has died aged 56
Mackey (second from right, and inset) has died aged 56. Picture: Getty/Alamy

By Will Taylor

Pulp bassist Steve Mackey has died aged 56.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

The Sheffield band, known for hits including Common People, said he passed away earlier on Thursday as his wife Katie Grand said the family was heartbroken.

"After three months in hospital, fighting with all his strength and determination, we are shocked and devastated to have said goodbye to my brilliant, beautiful husband, Steve Mackey," Ms Grand wrote on Instagram.

"Steve died today, a loss which has left myself, his son Marley, parents Kath and Paul, sister Michelle and many friends all heartbroken. Steve was the most talented man I have ever known, an exceptional musician, producer, photographer and filmmaker.

"As in life, he was adored by everyone whose paths he crossed in the multiple creative disciplines he conquered. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all the NHS staff who worked tirelessly for Steve. He will be missed beyond words. The family has asked for privacy at this time."

"Our beloved friend & bass player Steve Mackey passed away this morning," the band said on Twitter, posting an image of him in the Andes during a 2012 tour.

Read more: Jeremy Vine involved in his 'first collision of the year' - and it was caused by fellow cyclist

Mackey's death devastated his family and the band
Mackey's death devastated his family and the band. Picture: Getty

The band said its thoughts were with his family and loved ones.

In a message attached to the photo of Mackey walking through the Andes, the band said: "This photo of Steve dates from when Pulp were on tour in South America in 2012.

"We had a day off and Steve suggested we go climbing in the Andes. So we did.

And it was a completely magical experience. Far more magical than staring at the hotel wall all day (which is probably what we'd have done otherwise).

Read more: Jeremy Clarkson denies he has been axed from Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? amid Meghan Markle column fallout

Steve made things happen. in life and in the band.

"And we'd very much like to think that he's back in those mountains now, on the next stage of his adventure.

"Safe travels, Steve. We hope to catch up with you one day. All our love xx"

Mackey joined the band ahead of their third studio album
Mackey joined the band ahead of their third studio album. Picture: Alamy

Mackey joined the banned in 1989, ahead of their third album. He featured on all of their subsequent albums, including Different Class, which featured the iconic single Common People.

The album went four times platinum and sold more than a million copies in the UK.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Universal has confirmed it's opening its first European theme park in Bedfordshire

Universal theme park set to open in Bedfordshire in 2031 in multi-billion pound boost for economy

Serial Killer Conviction Prompts Police To Warn Of Dating App Dangers

Paedophiles targeting single mums on dating apps in order to exploit their children

Exclusive
Sir Steve Redgrave has called for an urgent cleanup of the River Thames

Sir Steve Redgrave calls for clean-up of River Thames ahead of Oxford-Cambridge boat race

Glenn Armstrong bombarded the woman with unwanted messages prior to breaking into her Spennymoor home at around 4am on Thursday, January 2.

Stalker who bombarded ex with messages jailed for breaking into her home - after police find him at top of stairs with knife

Barry Dawson, 60, was killed after being shot through his front window, police have said

'Popular' County Durham dad, 60, was 'shot through his front window', police confirm

Esme Baker, 10, and her father, Lee Baker, 48, were killed in the fire

Fire at caravan park that killed father, 48, and daughter, 10, was 'accidental', investigation finds

Gladiators star Zack George, known as Steel, has revealed that his baby son has died.

Gladiators star reveals heartbreaking loss as baby boy dies days after being born prematurely

Boy, 15, and girl, 13, guilty of manslaughter following the death of Leicester pensioner Bhim Kohli

Bhim Kohli's teenage killers 'humiliated' pensioner in 'brutal and cruel' attack, says heartbroken daughter

Close up of a Police logo on a police officers uniform in Leeds,WEst Yorkshire,UK

Norwegian teenager arrested after being caught with guns in Yorkshire hotel room

x

UK should not 'jump in with both feet' to retaliate against Trump trade tariffs, PM urges

Wahib

'Jealous and controlling husband' who tried to cut wife's head off before leaving her to bleed to death jailed for life

Ashbourne Derbyshire England UK.

Two dead after aircraft crash in Derbyshire, as police tell public to avoid the area

The Government must “invest in childhood” or risk losing the next generation to poor mental health, a charity has warned.

Invest in childhood ‘or risk losing a generation to poor mental health’, charity warns

US-ECONOMY-MARKET-STOCKS

Relief for financial markets as stocks rebound from historic losses days on from tariff turmoil

XL Bullies Being Walked On Private Land After Ban

XL Bully mauled two people after being ordered to ‘kill’ by owner as victims left with 'horrific injuries'

Kerri Pegg, former governor of HMP Kirkham,

Prison governor guilty of misconduct after relationship with drug boss 'Jesse Pinkman' who gifted her £12k Mercedes